I refuse to be redundant

I finished up editing Mumtastic today. I’ve spent the past two years building the brand into something relatable and real. Mums love it because it’s not click-baity or bullshitty. Brands love it because we created content that really works for them with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of heart.

I feel sad today, but I know I won’t tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll just feel… panicked.

I HATE change. Well, really, I hate any change I don’t instigate. If I’m in charge, I love all the change. In fact, my theory is that the best way to stay in your comfort zone is to make your comfort zone as big as humanly possible.

I’m just no good at uncertainty, and change always brings a good deal of it. I am the kind of person that cannot settle into a book until I’ve read the last page. If I know how it ends, I can love the story. This is also the one thing about parenting that I just can’t cope with: if I knew that the kids turned out okay in the end, I figured I could relax and love their story so much more.

So here’s a trick: make up the ending and work towards it.

I guess it’s goal setting, but in the most fluid way possible. In my mind, my kids have grown up to be happy, well-adjusted, settled adults who are full of common sense and bonhomie. I keep that picture in my head whenever I feel the panic rising. You know the panic. The ‘oh my god she is going to be sucking that dummy as she walks down the aisle if I don’t do something’ panic. Knowing the ending helps enormously, trust me.

So today, redundant. According to the dictionary definition, that means I’m “no longer needed or useful.” That’s not depressing at all, right? For a person who prides herself on being useful and helpful and all the fulls, redundant is just not a nice place to be at all.

Which is why, I’m only going to let myself feel redundant today (sigh). Tomorrow, I’m planning, I’m plotting, I’m mapping out the story. I’ve already cranked up my social media company (yes, I’m here if you want someone to make up your story’s ending for you). I’m going to start my own parenting site. I think I’ll open an online shop. And I’ll be writing, writing, writing.

Oh wow, big news Bron! I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been made redundant, that really sucks. I hate change too but sometimes it’s what we need; I have no doubt you’ll turn this into a positive and do some amazing things! I for one am excited to see what’s next xx

I’m with Hugzy. This isn’t an ending so much as the beginning of something totally awesome. I can’t wait to see what you do next (and I’m like that with the books too, so although I don’t know exactly what you’re going to do, I know it’s going to be utterly fabulous and I’m totally OK with that!)

Least redundant woman I could think of 😉 And when I was made redundant 4.5years ago it turned into the next best step ever…I’ve done more exciting, fulfilling and totally-driven-by-my-own-passion-and-curiosity work than I had in the rest of my working life combined. Redundancy felt like an opportunity to chuck out the rules I didn’t like and have a red hot go at making a living being ME (plus the marketing thing which I really could still do a better job at :P) Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

Hi Bron,
being “made redudant” is someone else’s label. Really it is an opportunity to share your talents with a different or in a different capacity. I love your positive attitude! You are taking back the power to chose what you are “made”. Wishing you all the best!

I was made redundant 3 years ago now. It was voluntary (I put my hand up) but only because I was not well enough to continue. Otherwise I would probably still be there. However, I don’t regret the decision to leave. It’s opened up so many doors and given me such a fulfilling life at home with my kids. While this redundancy was not your decision, I know you will make the most of this opportunity. Because you are not redundant – you are awesome x

Thank you, Kirsty. I think I remember when it happened to you. You have just gone from strength to strength. Already I feel calmer. I like not having my time accounted for every minute of every day. I like not wondering if I should be working…

Redundant. Such a yukky word and an even yukkier feeling.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you wrote a book about parenting, I’d buy a copy. And one for all my friends.
Somebody recently told me that they often “reverse engineer” the way they approach things. I really love this idea.
I’m so excited for your next chapter xxx

Nice! Yes, I was made redundant about a year ago while on maternity leave with my second child. It happens way to often and gives me the shits. I’m a professional photographer now and have just launched a personal project called ‘Women Who Fight With Grace’. I want to photograph other women who have had similar situations or been discriminated against, give them a voice and raise awareness. https://www.facebook.com/Women-Who-Fight-With-Grace-105266153378731/

Hey Bron, your approach is so right. As a change-avoider myself I find your back page approach nothing short of brilliant. Just like you.
Whatever comes between now and your happy ending I will be following with interest. You are awesome!
(Be extra kind to yourself during this transition, now you are your own boss you get to be the good sort)!

You would never be redundant Bron!!! Great post and I know what ever you do next will be BRILLIANT!!!! I can totally relate to the part about “if I knew the kids were going to turn out ok I could relax and enjoy the ride a bit more” … I am so hearing you sister! Look forward to seeing your next fabulous chapter. Good luck. xxx

You know what, whenever I feel overwhelmed about family life fitting in with work life, I think of your meal plan and all the people you cook for and all the things you cook. Calms me right down. Thanks lady!

Sorry to hear that you have been made redundant Bron. Redundancy sucks! I had it happen to me once (a long time ago) when I was young and naive, and got a bit drunk at a work function (surprisingly that wasn’t they booted me) it was because I couldn’t man the phones the next day! They were all home with hangovers. ?

All the best with finding your next thing – I hope its fun and exciting. I am looking at returning to work or starting a business from home still unsure what it’ll be. ☺xx

Thanks to the randomness that is FB i saw your post of today & now this, the post of yesterday. I too love certainty & its my conservative nature which craves it. However, i’ve learned many lessons to buoy me somewhat in these recent months & years of uncertainty.
What I often ask myself (without knowing the answer) is “what is this experience teaching me?”
In your case, the word redundancy is just plain negative & horrid. Not one aspect of your work & work ethic could ever be described do but its the $$ that Make the decision in the end, not the capability nor quality of what you have given to the on-line publishing world.
I wish you all the things you’d like to do, that you’ve thought about doing “as your own boss” and great success as you move forward! Denyse xx

You’ll be fantastic Bron. I think taking charge with your own parenting site will be the best thing you’ll do. Or else another goal that you give your heart to. Because your heart’s commitment is a powerful thing.